25 March 2026
Gisborne District Council has prepared Proposed Urban Plan Change 6 to the Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan (TRMP) which will make it easier to build more homes in parts of Gisborne city.
Land use in our region is managed by different zones that help us identify the nature of the area and what activities may be appropriate there. Each zone has specific rules appropriate to the activity, such as business, industry, or housing.
Council’s Director of Sustainable Futures, Jocelyne Allen says we need planning rules to better reflect how we live, work and play. “The changes are designed to give people more housing choices on the existing land that's available for housing in the city, while at the same time keeping communities connected.
“The goal is to have well designed, sustainable, attractive housing developments that build a sense of community, while making sure we are using land efficiently to protect our productive land for the prosperity of future generations.
“We’ve drafted a proposed plan change that over time, will change the look of our urban area in Gisborne city.”
The proposed Medium Density Residential and City General Residential zones enable more houses on smaller lots, without the need for resource consent.
Mrs Allen reassures residents that this does not mean a reduction in building standards: “Housing developments will still have to meet standards such as minimum setbacks, daylight planes, or height limits. However, the proposed changes make these standards more permissive than our current plan, particularly in the proposed Medium Density Residential zone. Building code and consenting requirements under the Building Act will continue to apply.”
Proposed Urban Plan Change is open for public submission until 25 May 2026.
Find out more about the proposed changes, see upcoming public events and have your say on our participate page: gdc.nz/pc6
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